Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 58365 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58365 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 195(@300wpm)
Muttering, the golden-haired girl said, “They told me Alphas loved Omegas, that they existed to protect them. That all of it was for my own good.”
The look on her face gutted him. Simin needed to hold her, but could offer only a purr. “They lied to you.”
“I know. Otherwise they would not have threatened to whip my mother if I continued to disobey.” Morgaine nodded, and looked utterly sad. “They never loved me at all.”
Eager, Simin stood tall, reached out a hand in hopes she take it, and proclaimed, “I love you, kor’yr.”
His movement sent her skittering back. “You don’t know me!”
It had not been near an hour, but Morgaine turned around and rushed away from the prince who was contemplating risking death just to embrace her.
Chapter 19
Powerless to stop her, Simin could do nothing but watch Morgaine rush out of sight. To say that their first meeting in this place had not gone as he’d hoped was a laughable understatement. He’d frightened her off even though he’d bared himself to ridicule by announcing a public declaration of his adoration.
Many prized Omari Omega mates went an entire lifetime without hearing so much as an I love you from their Alphas. Affection was demonstrated with action, with the quality of offerings and attention.
Devotion was demonstrated with attentive and vigorous fucking.
Never words.
Rumor would spread that he had bluntly declared his heart and she had denied his offering. Many of his men would snicker. Some might outright challenge him for weakness.
Simin did not care. He cared that he had frightened her.
He cared that she was distrusting of men, that the enemy had cheapened the power of that monumental word. And that wherever she’d gone to hide, that she was surely crying.
Because of him.
Riddled with frustration, with the undeniable effects of the rut—with a throbbing cock that would not lie down no matter how he abused it—he turned on the translator, vicious, angry, and… disappointed.
Had the short-haired Omega been wiser, she too would have retreated beyond the dividing line. Instead she straddled it. Easy prey.
Looking to her prince and not the retreating Omega, Etaine offered an appropriate bow. “My Heidron.”
Biting back the roar already trying to rip from his chest, he grabbed her arm, and hauled her away from that blasted line. “Where are the gifts I sent her? Why is it that you provided her clothing?”
“Omega Superior ordered the clothing you sent be stacked neatly away. It will be offered in due time, but right now? She needs familiarity. Morgaine craves a purpose and to show others her worth.” Trapped arm hitched so high her shoulder brushed her ear, bruising in her prince’s crushing grip, Etaine kept her face composed.
But it was the scent wafting from her collar that failed to support her collected demeanor; the Omega was nervous, and for good reason. Before her was a furious Alpha. A Heidron, no less. Capable and angry enough to end her in every way, and she was the one responsible for delivering news that would displease.
“The Nierra took much from her. You won’t replace abused pride with fine fabrics and wealth she does not comprehend.” Breath hitching as if the pain had reached a threshold she could no longer pretend to ignore, she hissed, “There was more progress here than you recognize.”
Lowering his face so Etaine might see his snarling mouth and feel his breath on her face, Simin grumbled, “Doubtful.”
Under his grip the woman’s arm twitched, her brow furrowing as she tried to maintain composure. “Her hair was uncovered, Heidron. In Morgaine’s settlement, women only leave their hair uncovered in the presence of family, intimate friends, and to impress mates.”
Golden hair had spilled around the shoulders of his pretty kor’yr. There had even been a few small braids worked into all those waves. And she had preened when he’d complimented the dress…
That small bit of knowledge doused Simin’s ire. He released the female.
To Etaine’s credit, she didn’t rub her arm or scamper back. Like the soldier her robes declared she was, she stood her ground and offered more. “She cannot abide raw meat.”
The finest meat was always served raw. To cook it would destroy the delicate balance of flavors. “Explain.”
“Their livestock carried parasites, and Morgaine’s people were never given the technology to sterilize food or water beyond cooking or boiling. That is why your offerings were replaced with plain dishes common to her people. Simple cheese, boiled oats. The look of relief on her face to be served something other than rich dishes spoke to the Omega Superior’s judgment.”
Slave food.
They were feeding a princess, a woman who would outrank all of them by a ridiculous degree, slave food. And they were in the right. He might not like it, but Simin understood the wisdom here. “And you say this pleased her?”
“As did making the dress. She worked on it all night so she might wear it today.” Etaine was obviously impressed under that stoic expression. “I wish half my team was as focused as your kor’yr.”